Gorse fires started maliciously, say councillors

Gorse fires started maliciously - Councillors


“I hope when these people who are starting these fires lay their heads at night they know they are criminals.” That was the view expressed by Cllr Michael Holmes in relation to the gorse fires which raged across areas of the county recently. Speaking at the Belmullet Electoral Area meeting last week the Cathaoirleach of the meeting said there was ‘no doubt’ the fires were being set ‘maliciously’ and added that it was ‘only when you have first hand experience of the fires could you imagine the danger of them’. Cllr Michael McNamara reiterated Cllr Holmes’ views saying he hoped those who were starting the fires were caught and he commended the fire services for the work they were doing.
Telling those in attendance at the meeting that he put out a fire only a mile away from his home last week, Cllr Gerry Coyle said those starting the fires would ‘want to cop themselves on’.